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The Cove seeks increased county support as it prepares to relocate; asks for $60,000
Summary
The Cove asked McLennan County for $60,000 to support staff pay and costs related to a required move from leased space; the nonprofit cited improved graduation rates and transitional-housing placements for youth experiencing homelessness.
The Cove, a local nonprofit serving young people experiencing homelessness, asked the commissioners for $60,000 in FY27 support to help cover staffing costs and moving expenses after its landlord notified the organization it must vacate leased space next year.
Executive Tim Packer (speaker 11) told the court The Cove’s model focuses on housing stability, education and employment outcomes, and supportive relationships. He said the group served about 120 young people in the most recent year and reported that 24 of 29 seniors in its cohort graduated — a rate above the statewide figure for comparable students.
Packer requested funds targeted to a youth‑advocate salary and a program‑director baseline contribution to retain qualified staff as the organization expands outreach and prepares to relocate. He also described the longer‑term public‑cost rationale for early intervention with youth: lower graduation rates among homeless youth, he said, correlate with higher risk of adult homelessness and greater public costs over time.
Commissioners asked about The Cove’s other funding sources and whether the organization had sought city, school‑district or philanthropic support; Packer said The Cove has a mix of grants (including private foundations and the Taco Bell Foundation), has applied to multiple donors, and is also pursuing conversations with Waco ISD and potential facility partners.
The court did not act on the request at the meeting but said staff would follow up as the budget process continues.
